2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

Phils, Cards Battle For Holliday

By Tim Dierkes

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Phillies and Cardinals are the top suitors for Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday.
The Phillies discussed Holliday and Brian Fuentes with the Rockies during the season. The Rockies have an eye on Carlos Carrasco, J.A. Happ, and Shane Victorino. Todd Zolecki believes Jayson Werth could be in the mix.
The Cardinals have been aggressive, and Ryan Ludwick is their bargaining chip. Joe Strauss says the Cardinals would like to try to sign Holliday to an extension, but may not have the leverage to require a window. The Cards would like to get something done soon. Ludwick alone seems a pretty solid return for Holliday, since the Rockies would have him for three years. Strauss adds that the Mets are also in the running for Holliday.
I would love to see Holliday in Philly. Only trouble is I don't want to lose Victorino or Werth. I would make a terrible GM. I want everything for nothing. Uh oh almost snuck in a political statement there.
 
I would love to see Holliday in Philly. Only trouble is I don't want to lose Victorino or Werth. I would make a terrible GM. I want everything for nothing. Uh oh almost snuck in a political statement there.


LOL!!! :D :up
 
I heard that the Cardinals are possible candidates to trade for Matt Holliday.

How scary would St. Louis be with Pujols AND Holliday?
 
Indians Rumors: Shoppach, Roberts, Street

By Tim Dierkes

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer discusses the Indians' offseason needs.
  • With Victor Martinez, Kelly Shoppach, Carlos Santana, and others, the Indians have a surplus of catching (and mad guitar skills). The Red Sox, Marlins, Reds, and Tigers are known to be in the market, so maybe the Indians can deal a catcher to fill another need. Those other needs: an infielder, a late inning reliever, and a starter.
  • Hoynes believes the Indians will fall short of meeting the demands of free agents Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, and Rafael Furcal.
  • Hoynes implies the asking price for one year of Brian Roberts is Fausto Carmona and Asdrubal Cabrera. That won't work for the Tribe; they are looking to add a starter. They might have the same problem if they try to acquire Garrett Atkins.
  • As we've heard, the Indians are in on Huston Street.
  • Hoynes tosses out a couple of possible free agent bargains that may come with the necessary price break: Joe Crede and Jason Isringhausen.
 
Yankees Rumors: Sabathia, Pettitte, Mussina

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 8 at 10:09am CST]

Some new Yankees rumors surfaced at Joe Torre's charity event in New York last night.
 
Odds And Ends: Guerrero, Blue Jays, Reds

By Ben Nicholson-Smith

Links for Saturday...
  • J.P. Ricciardi has begun "exploring other things" in case the Jays can't bring back A.J. Burnett.
  • The Angels aren't discussing a contract extension with Vladimir Guerrero yet.
  • Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto are off-limits according to Walk Jocketty.
  • The White Sox are interested in a 19-year-old Cuban third base prospect, Dayan Viciedo. Ken Williams, who has a history of acquiring Cuban players, may have the inside track on signing Viciedo.
  • The Astros signed a young international player of their own, Chia-Jen Lo. They announced Friday that they signed the 22-year-old Taiwanese righty to a minor league contract.
  • The Rockies added a 16-year-old Venezuelan pitcher, Alving Mejias.
 
Braves expected to pursue Burnett and Dempster

Posted on: November 10, 2008 4:06 pm

The Braves still believe they have the best offer out there for Jake Peavy, even as some people in baseball believe that the Cubs are the favorites to land the San Diego right-hander. But even as they try for Peavy, the Braves are also making plans to go after other starting pitchers.
That includes free-agent right-handers A.J. Burnett and Ryan Dempster, according to sources.
Burnett, who opted out of his contract with the Blue Jays, is expected to have many suitors. The Yankees, who have more money to spend than anyone else, are sure to be involved.
Dempster is believed to favor a return to the Cubs, who would like to keep their 17-game winner.
But the Braves are serious about upgrading their rotation, as general manager Frank Wren told my colleague Scott Miller at last week's GM meetings in California.
"We need a couple of starters," Wren said. "Maybe even more than that. I'd like to beef up our rotation. That's the area we've been known for."
Wren wouldn't talk specifics, but people who have talked to the Braves say that only CC Sabathia is definitely out of their price range. The Braves aren't interested in Ben Sheets, but sources said they will talk about any other free-agent starters.
 
Atlanta still has some work to do to catch up with the Philles, Marlins, and Mets.

Agreed. The NL East is turning into a monster division.

What are their needs in the free-agent department?


IMO, their biggest need is starting pitching.

When was the last time THAT was said about the Braves?? :confused:
 
Braves expected to pursue Burnett and Dempster

Posted on: November 10, 2008 4:06 pm

The Braves still believe they have the best offer out there for Jake Peavy, even as some people in baseball believe that the Cubs are the favorites to land the San Diego right-hander. But even as they try for Peavy, the Braves are also making plans to go after other starting pitchers.
That includes free-agent right-handers A.J. Burnett and Ryan Dempster, according to sources.
Burnett, who opted out of his contract with the Blue Jays, is expected to have many suitors. The Yankees, who have more money to spend than anyone else, are sure to be involved.
Dempster is believed to favor a return to the Cubs, who would like to keep their 17-game winner.
But the Braves are serious about upgrading their rotation, as general manager Frank Wren told my colleague Scott Miller at last week's GM meetings in California.
"We need a couple of starters," Wren said. "Maybe even more than that. I'd like to beef up our rotation. That's the area we've been known for."
Wren wouldn't talk specifics, but people who have talked to the Braves say that only CC Sabathia is definitely out of their price range. The Braves aren't interested in Ben Sheets, but sources said they will talk about any other free-agent starters.

The Braves better hope that Jir Jirjines is not part of a Peavy package, that would not be a smart move ...
 
Marlins traded Josh Willingham and Greg Olson to the Nationals. The two players were dealt to the Nationals in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, a lightly seasoned 23-year-old with great speed and a good glove, along with a pair of minor-league prospects.

Neither the Marlins nor Nationals would confirm the deal.

But multiple sources said the division rivals agreed to the trade, the second the Marlins have made since the season ended. They traded first baseman Mike Jacobs to the Kansas City Royals last month for right-handed reliever Leo Nuñez.

NEW PHILOSOPHY

The acquisition of Bonifacio, a singles-hitting switch-hitter and defensive whiz in the mold of former Marlins second baseman Luis Castillo, fits with the team's stated desire to improve defensively. The Marlins have been one of the worst fielding teams in the majors the past several seasons.

What remains unclear is how the Marlins intend to use Bonifacio (he can also play the corner outfield positions), and what it means for current second baseman Dan Uggla, whose annual salary is expected to increase to about $5 million through the arbitration process.

Unless overwhelmed by an offer, the Marlins plan to keep Uggla.

Monday's trade will save money for the Marlins, as Willingham and Olsen are due to receive significant raises next season through salary arbitration. Each player could make $2 million to $2.5 million in 2009.

The Marlins are expected to have a payroll of about $35 million next season, an increase from last season's $22 million team but still the lowest figure in the majors.

Olsen has been on the trading block since the season ended, with numerous teams expressing interest in an ''innings eater'' who has never missed a start in his more than three, occasionally tumultuous seasons with the Marlins. Olsen had run-ins with fans, teammates and police in 2007 but made it through the '08 season without incident.

Both he and Willingham, a consistent though unspectacular hitter who was plagued by lower back issues that reduced his playing time, had spent their entire professional careers with the Marlins.
 
Padres withdraw contract offer for 2009 to Hoffman

[ame="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3694923"]Trevor Hoffman done in San Diego as Padres pull offer - ESPN[/ame]

Hello! Mark Shapiro and the Indians! Get on the phone now!
 
Wow, that is a startling development!

Not really, Bill. Trev has been trying to get ownership to talk to him for weeks now and they haven't said "boo". Towers kept saying the owners were out of the country, etc. just doing the dance. The Pads are cutting w-a-y back and have even announced cheaper ticket prices next season! WHAT? Even the lowly Pirates said they will maintain the same ticket prices next year. So what does that tell you?

The NL West will once again be the weakest division in all of baseball in 2009.

And, for my money, I would buy Trev on the cheap. He is FAR from the magician he once was. The final line of the contract should read...

"USE SPARINGLY!" :eek:
 
Not really, Bill. Trev has been trying to get ownership to talk to him for weeks now and they haven't said "boo". Towers kept saying the owners were out of the country, etc. just doing the dance. The Pads are cutting w-a-y back and have even announced cheaper ticket prices next season! WHAT? Even the lowly Pirates said they will maintain the same ticket prices next year. So what does that tell you?

The NL West will once again be the weakest division in all of baseball in 2009.

And, for my money, I would buy Trev on the cheap. He is FAR from the magician he once was. The final line of the contract should read...

"USE SPARINGLY!" :eek:

At 41 you should "USE SPARINGLY!"

Jimbo
 
What pitchers are the Braves talking about sending to SD for Peavy ?
I see the Cubs are looking for a partner to get pitching the Padre's want.

Braves arn't giving Jurjin's as one of them are they ?

Jimbo
 
Rockies Talking Trade With Reds

By Tim Dierkes [November 11 at 8:50pm CST]

8:50pm: Reds GM Walt Jocketty says nothing is close with the Rockies; he's talked to a lot of clubs. His snide remark: "They all didn't allow it to get out."
Jocketty talked to the Rockies about Matt Holliday, but it was a short discussion.
7:37pm: Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News says the Reds have definite interest in Atkins, but not Torrealba or Taveras. The Reds like the idea of adding Atkins' righthanded bat. They don't like Torrealba's price and Taveras' inability to get on base. Ringolsby says the Phillies, Angels, and Twins are also after Atkins.
3:28pm: Troy Renck confirms Rosenthal's report, and also speaks of speculation that the Red Sox will make a run at Chris Iannetta. A long shot to be sure.
Other Rockies notes: Renck says the Rox told people close to Manny Corpas that he's still the closer, meaning Street might be on the outs. Additionally, the Rockies have expressed interest in Carl Pavano.
1:17pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Rockies aren't done dealing - they're talking trade with the Reds and other clubs. The Reds like Willy Taveras, Yorvit Torrealba, and Garrett Atkins, with a "definite interest" in Taveras.
Meanwhile the Indians like newly acquired Huston Street and the Nationals are one club eyeing Carlos Gonzalez. Rosenthal says the Rockies figure to hang on to Greg Smith.
It seems we can't yet judge the Holliday trade for the Rockies. It did seem odd that they would acquire a closer and a young center fielder, two positions at which they already had solid options.
 

SEC football ventures north...

Detroit Lion Players Missing

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